Grandmaster Kancho Newton James began his martial arts career in 1968 in Kyokushinkai karate at the YMCA in Jamaica, being one of the first karate practitioners in the country. Over the next few years, he represented Jamaica and the Kyokushinkai style all over the world. Most notably, he led the Jamaica full-contact fighting team in 1976 at the first World Tournament in Japan. Later, in 1976, he was invited by Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura, Grandmaster of Seido Karate, to teach karate in New York City. He accepted the offer, and moved from Jamaica to New York City, where he lived and worked for several years. At this time, Kancho James was able to train with some of the best martial artists in the world: most notably, the great Shihan William Oliver and Claude Battle. During his tenure with Seido in New York City, Kancho James began the children's karate program at the Vanderbilt YMCA, growing the program from 2 children to over 250 students within 2 1/2 years. He also taught at the Big Apple Children's Program, the Montessori School, at PS59, and at York Avenue Elementary School.

Kancho James moved to Miami, Florida, in 1990, and taught and ran his my own branch for Seido karate for many years. However, in the year 2000, he decided to utilize his vast experience in the various fighting arts, and to expand his teachings. Recognizing the need to have martial arts teaching more applicable to the realities of the street, he now includes grappling and pressure point tactics, as well as police tactics in his training. He has trained under great masters such as Nelson Ricardo in Ju Jitsu, Kid Buff in Aikido, and Tony Perez in Grappling.

In April 2008, Kancho James was recognized for his involvement and excellence in the martial arts, and was inducted into The World Martial Arts Hall of Fame, joining the ranks of masters such as Grandmaster Fumio Demura. He was also formally recognized by the Jamaican Ambassador for his leadership in the martial arts and to the Jamaican community.

Kancho James currently resides in Miami, Florida, where he has a full-time dojo and after-school program, as well as works with the State of Florida, running specialized programs for at-risk youths. Most notable of these programs, he conducts classes at the First Offenders Girls' Power Facility, for first non-violent offenders ages 9-14, in downtown Miami. In addition, several times a year, he speaks at seminars for at-risk youths, and conduct self-defense and police tactics courses for public and private individuals.

Kancho James has also appeared in many magazines and commercials over the years: some with the late Shihan William Oliver, his friend and brother. In addition, he worked on the movie sets of Countryman and The Rebel.

All these personal and teaching experiences provide Kancho James with a broad knowledge base and unique ability to reach people from all walks of life. He feels a great sense of accomplishment as so many children and adults have been able to experience positive changes in their lives through the discipline and respect they have learned. Many still keep in touch with him, and have gone on to be successful professionals, technicians, and responsible citizens. He was recently featured on the cover of the Neighbors Section of Miami Herald and on NBC Channel 6 News, for his special dedication to at risk children within his community and for his lifetime accomplishments across the world.